A recent study published in the International Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health surveyed over 4,200 children and young adults aged three to 20 years between November 2022 and April 2023, following the first widespread community transmission of Covid-19.

More than 70% of the participants had confirmed Covid-19 infections, and a significant number reported experiencing new health issues post-infection, including a quarter who noted more frequent coughs, colds, and stomach bugs.

The research revealed that over 20% of children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are experiencing persistent health symptoms following their Covid-19 infections, underscoring the need for preventive measures.

Common ongoing symptoms reported by children included headaches (21.7%), fatigue (20.6%), stomach aches (14.6%), and new anxiety (13.1%).

Before the pandemic, 82.6% of children rated their health as 'very good' or 'excellent', but this figure dropped to 66.9% after the Omicron variant waves.

Children who contracted Covid-19 were more likely to rate their health as 'fair' or 'poor' compared to those who did not get infected.

Co-author Larisa Hockey highlighted that the findings reflect a measurable impact of Covid-19 on children's health, affecting their school attendance, concentration, and overall well-being.

Both previously healthy children and those with existing health conditions, such as asthma or ADHD, reported new symptoms, emphasizing the critical need to protect children from preventable long-term illnesses associated with Long Covid.

Associate Professor Julie Bennett stressed the importance of preventing Covid-19 infections to mitigate long-term health issues, recommending measures like improving ventilation in indoor spaces.

The findings suggest the need for protective measures to ensure children can grow up healthy and thrive, preventing preventable long-term illnesses associated with Long Covid.

The significant number of children reporting new health issues post-infection underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing effects of Covid-19 on youth health.